Division News & Statements

GVSU Community Affirmation of Inclusion

Grand Valley State University has always been committed to diversity
and inclusion. As elected representatives of GVSU faculty, staff and
students, we wish to reaffirm that commitment.

The university’s statement on non-discrimination is
that: “Every aspect of University life should be free from
discrimination because of age, color, disability, familial status,
height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race,
religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression, veteran status, or weight. Student housing, organizations,
athletics, classes and University community facilities should be open
to all who desire to participate.” (GVSU
Non-Discrimination Statement)

The Division of Inclusion and Equity states:
“Diversity, in all its forms, is at the heart of Grand Valley’s
mission to provide a liberal education that will help shape lives,
professions, and societies. Diversity is affirmed and celebrated at
GVSU and in the community as a necessary intellectual asset and
institutional resource. Grand Valley believes it has a responsibility
to serve all members of our community through a coordinated equity and
inclusion strategy.” (Framework
for Inclusion & Equity)

We affirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive,
anti-discriminatory environment conducive to open inquiry, liberal
education, and healthy community interactions. At a time when many
faculty, staff and students are concerned for vulnerable or
marginalized populations and those who have historically been
discriminated against, we pledge ourselves to the following actions:

We will work to ensure that the Grand Valley campus is a place
where all students are welcome and have equal access to learning.
Not only is diversity respected in our classrooms and on our campus
but it is encouraged and supported. We know that an environment is
hostile to inclusion if language is demeaning, insulting or
personally descriptive, or if such language is allowed to occur
without response.

We will foster inclusiveness throughout our community by
respecting others’ opinions and expression of opinions. We believe
that disagreement and diversity of thought should be welcomed and
encouraged as part of a liberal education. We acknowledge that
discussion of differing ideas can be challenging but believe that
disagreement with another person should be addressed through
focusing on the reasoning, not the person offering the idea.

We make an unqualified commitment to those on the margins through
our actions and words. We recognize clearly that silence is not
protection. Silence is not merely a lack of words, but an invitation
to violate the principles we proclaim. We vow to stand up and speak
up for the values and principles we believe in and the people and
community we love. We will report bias incidents (http://www.gvsu.edu/bias/) and
encourage others to do so.